Community Events

With about 225 in attendance for the Spring version of Salsa Above, Salsa dancers came from across the State to show their skills, meet a few people and most of all, display their passion. In what is a very unique setting, the Michigan Princess which sails in Lansing’s Grand River, offers two areas for dancing and to cool off you can roam around the deck on the any of the floors including up top. People came from as far to the east from Detroit and to the west Grand Rapids. In fact quite a large group came in from GR. If you have never seen Salsa dancing up live and close and you love to dance, you really should go check it out sometime. Movies like 1998’s “Dance With Me” with Cheyenne and Vanessa Williams or “Dirty Dancing 2” from 2004 set in Cuba, may have looked pretty, but one only has to look at the faces of the different folks who come together on a night like this. The passion, the intensity and of course the fun all are evident from the crowd. There were people who came who just were not up to speed, but as long as someone was making an honest effort on the dance floor, the more veteran dancers were very forgiving to the beginners. DJ Adrian Ace Lopez who puts everything together brought in 5 en Clave from Grand Rapids. 5 en Clave offered a night of salsa, merengue, bachata, and cumbias. They kept the crowd moving with Adrian provided his usual array of sounds as well. Adrian likes to put on three events aboard the Michigan Princess a year. The next one is set for July with a date to be announced soon and the third typically the second or third weekend in September so make your plans now as both promise to be larger in attendance then last Fridays event.

To the casual Grand Cafe Sir Pizza customer Monday night, it appeared something was going on, but truth being told, it was a little bit more then just a few friends getting together. The Greater Lansing Hispanic Chamber of Commerce sponsored a Meet and Greet and about 50 people gathered to welcome Vincent Delgado who was just recently appointed to serve on the Lansing City Council. Delgado is an Assistant Dean for Civic Engagement with Michigan State University’s Residential College in the Arts and Humanities. He is known also for co-founding the Refugee Development Center in Lansing and at one point co-chaired the Ingham Power of We Consortium. There were plenty of Leaders from the Latino community who showed up to welcome and get a chance to talk with Vincent about issues they would like to see addressed. One of the questions that could be heard was if he was going to run for the seat when its term ends? Delgado has already made it known that he does intend to run for a full term later this year in November when the seat is up for election. In this day and age of people needing to see “advocates, teachers, politicians, representatives, etc. who look like us”, his intentions to run was a good news to many. Delgado also replaces Quinney as the only male on the Council as the other seven are women.

Not since January of 2003 has a Latino served on the Lansing City Council. Its been 12 years since Tony Benavides graced the Lansing City Council. For the Latino community, its felt like a generation. Vincent Delgado was formerly sworn in on Monday, February 23, 2015 and thus fills the seat that had been held by Derrick Quinney who resigned to become Ingham County’s Register of Deeds. He beat out 24 other candidates for the seat until January 1, 2016 which was when Mr. Quinney’s term ended. His bio on the Lansing City Council website states that Vincent received a Masters Degree from Western Michigan (4.0 GPA), but also uses the words “With a passion for local government” to describe himself. Delgado certainly appears to be well qualified to help lead a city which is never short of budget woes, school district issues, and the continuing saga of the Board of Water and Light. But on a Council that seems to be well known for Pro-Virg and Anti-Virg factions, lets hope Delgado can manage to be Pro-People while navigating the political waters well enough to position himself for the November elections. To reach Vincent Delgado: http://www.lansingmi.gov/Derrick_Quinney (note: City of Lansing has yet to change the website url to Mr. Delgado.) Greater Lansing Hispanic Chamber: Jose Yanez President 517-974-2238

When Harvey Santana was invited to the 5th Annual Michigan Hispanic Advocacy Day (MHAD) the State Capital, the casual observer might think that he might have been a little unprepared in his responses as he weathered the many different questions. Some took offense to his answers, some were a touch disappointed. But one thing that Mr. Santana was consistent about was his message. He could only engage in issues that were important to the Latino community if people let him know it was an issue. Moderated by Rick Garcia, State Representatives Mr. Santana, D-Detroit, Henry Yanez, D- Sterling Heights, and Sam Singh, D-East Lansing, all fielded questions from about 40 people in attendance. When one High School student asked the question of how can you help Migrant students in succeeding in high school, Mr. Santana turned the question around and asked, “what is it, you would like me to do?” Some criticism followed from the crowd as to how he could ask a student who does not have the experience that a State Rep might have, he quickly stated his case that he was not sure what he could do and wanted to listen to as much as he could from people. One look at his website and you will find the words: ” he has built a reputation for his tell it like it is style and passionate speeches. He is known for his strong character, uncompromising integrity and willingness to make the tough decisions”. When another High School student asked how could someone “like her” be able to contact her someone like Santana, Yanez or Singh? Mr. Santana offered the answer “I am most accessible State Representative in Michigan”. The full message being that as the people of Michigan, we need to contact those elected officials and let them know what issues we care about, what problems we see and what solutions did they have in mind. I spoke with Mr. Santana and he mentioned that Latino people expect him to do more for them Statewide because he is Latino and he welcomes that challenge. He has been around the State of Michigan to meet with groups and give motivational speeches. But like he said, there is only so much he can do. I mentioned to him that he could help us on Monday, but what do we do on Tuesday when he leaves our city? Point being, we as citizens have to rise up and take the lead. His response: “Exactly!” The Advocacy Day is put together by the Hispanic/Latino Commission of Michigan for the purpose of bringing together representatives from Hispanic/Latino organizations, state and national leaders, activists, students and volunteers to meet with lawmakers about key concerns of Michigan’s Hispanic and Latino citizens, including education, access to health care, racial profiling, barriers to obtaining drivers’ licenses and economic development. Much thanks to the H/L Commission for a highly engaging day and for bringing in local favorite Famous Taco on West Saginaw as the caterer. My own thoughts were that some left a touch disappointed with what they heard. But in that thought lies a lesson and also the beauty of Advocacy Day. When the student asked how can we access someone like Santana, Yanez or Singh, she asked a question many choose not to ask and instead sit on the couch and assume there is no one listening to their concerns. Advocacy Day was setup by the H/L Commission to allow “regular people” like me, to voice my concerns straight to these folks that I only see on the internet or local news. In that one day, we will not save cities, people or lower any dropout rate. But what we can do is call on our local officials. Contact them, drop in on them, take some pan dulce while your at it. Point is, for those of us that attended Advocacy Day, how many of us will continue the conversations we started and if we were disappointed that the Reps didn’t offer more, how many of us will visit them to get a better understanding? For those that did not attend, remember those issues you have and might have even complained about? The next paragraph below (above the H/L Comm website) is what Santana, Yanez and Singh heard from you: H/L Commission on the web: http://www.michigan.gov/mdcr/0,1607,7-138-58275_3064—,00.html H’/L Commission on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hlcommission

When Dr. Juan Andrade Jr. became the first teacher in the Nation to be arrested for speaking Spanish, he had to know at that point that Latinos attempting to get an education would be a never ending battle. Reflecting upon that time, he spoke the words “60 years ago we were arrested for something we are getting bonuses for today”. Mr. Andrade was the keynote speaker at the 16th Annual Hispanic Heritage Recognition Event and the 19th Annual Cesar E. Chavez Commemorative Dinner Thursday, September 17th at the Radisson Hotel in Downtown Lansing, Michigan. The Michigan Hispanic/Latino Commission, along with co-hosts Michigan Hispanic Legislative Caucus and the Capital Area Cesar E. Chavez Commission honored some of Michigan’s best Hispanic Leaders and promising High School Students with awards. In an odd and unplanned twist, many of us were amazed by the fact that most of award winners (the exceptions being the High Schoolers) were from the Rio Grande Valley in Texas. It was a great evening of celebrating the Legacy of Cesar E. Chavez and Hispanic Heritage Month as many leaders from across the State of Michigan were seen networking, socializing, and enjoying what in my humble opinion was one of the best meals at a conference that I have ever seen. But if you have never witnessed a Dr. Andrade keynote (I have been Blessed to have seen two), you truly missed a night to remember. His stories include history, plenty of humor, his love of the Hispanic Culture mixed with humor and finished by a challenge to all, young and old alike.

Although it took many people to put together this event, and there were several people behind the scenes including interns and of course the H/L Commissioners, the elegant and upbeat night was led by only two. Marylou Olivarez Mason who serves as the Executive Director of H/L Commission and Victoria Garcia as the office Administrative Assistant. With the Radisson Hotel as the venue, I find it hard to believe anyone went home disappointed. From Holland to Flint, from Detroit to Muskegon, and Kalamazoo to Toledo, Ohio, Marylou and Victoria provided an atmosphere that allowed plenty of time for discussion and as well as building new networks. Honestly, how many Statewide events do we have that can say that in the Latino community?

The Hispanic/Latino Commission of Michigan was created in 1975 to represent the interests of Michigan’s Hispanic and Latino population – one of the fastest-growing ethnic groups in the state. The Commission, made up of 15 individuals appointed by the Governor, advises the Governor and state legislature on policy matters and serves Michigan’s Hispanic and Latino population by fostering and celebrating their achievements and promoting their development and welfare. Locally in the Greater Lansing Area, we are represented by Noel Garcia Jr. and Jeremiah Hernandez. H/L Commission on the web: http://www.michigan.gov/mdcr/0,1607,7-138-58275_3064—,00.html H/L Commission on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hlcommission H/L Commissioners and Staff: http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mdcr/CommissionersandOfficeStaff2014-6_459530_7.pdf?20140930015247

To say that the weather bothered the 4th Annual Tejano/Latino Music Fest would be an understatement. With only brief moments of sun throughout the Music Fest, many decided that they would just deal with it, and the two-day event went about as well as could be expected. Those that braved the weather enjoyed the different bands, food and merchandise from the several vendors. Much like the Cristo Rey Fiesta, this event becomes a place where old friends get to reconnect and enjoy the night. In what has become a major fundraiser for the Lansing for Cesar E. Chavez (LCEC), President Corina Salinaz unveiled one of the many designs on the stage that Michigan State University students put together for the Committee. Profits from the event will go towards building a archway that will greet people as they enter the Cesar E. Chavez Plaza on Turner St. With over 40 LCEC members and volunteers helping to put the Music Fest on, the decision to move to a two day event last year still looks like a good one. Could there be a third day added in the future? With a 501c Non Profit status pending, the LCEC looks primed for a great year ahead as they will hold their next fundraiser in late March with the Cesar E. Chavez Dinner. Always looking for new members as well as new ideas, consider the Lansing for Cesar E. Chavez if you would like to get involved in community service. It currently has the largest membership of any Greater Lansing Area Latino Non Profit. Lansing for Cesar E. Chavez website: http://lansingforcesarechavez.org/ Lansing for Cesar E. Chavez Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/lansingforcesarechavez

With a crowd of about 100 people on the Michigan Princess, DJ Adrian “Ace” Lopez once again set sail with his “Salsa Above the Water” Friday, September 12, 2014. While the Michigan Princess is docked from 8:00 pm to 10:30 pm so that the crowd can climb aboard, make no mistake, the music is going, the dance floor is ready from the moment you hop on. As Adrian greets people entering the ship, they are welcomed with appetizers, low lighting and plenty of friendly faces. They set sail and return about 1:00 am with music going til close at 2:00 am. If you have never witnessed Salsa dancing, then its a sight to behold. With precision moves, some great music and people who are passionate about dance, it makes for a night to remember. Adrian told me that besides the atmosphere that he provides, he also is bringing a quality crowd in. He went on to explain that for those that are passionate about Salsa and Merengue, they are not only a friendly crowd, they bring none of the headaches that are normally associated with other dances, clubs or gatherings. They come to dance. Its not about the drink, its all about the dance. He offers “Salsa Above the Water” up to four times a year with local people and from around the State. Much credit goes to him for keeping Salsa alive and well locally. I myself, grew up being dragged to los bailes always with library books in tow. Sometimes the alcohol played a factor and sure enough, the mood of the crowd changed quickly and I kept my head on the table. Not always, but there is usually that fear of trouble. This crowd was no different then other Salsa nights I have witnessed. They danced with plenty of energy, and offered smiles and friendly conversation all while mixing in one or two drinks. I met a large group of friends from Grand Rapids who all appeared to be people you would love to get to know. Easy going, fun loving, approachable group. Let them hit the dance floor and their display of energy and their love of Salsa dancing is not only clear but almost calls to your heart. Anyone who knows me well, knows I do not dance. I just never learned, nor had a teacher. But if I did, Salsa would be the one that I would love to learn.

The Lansing School District’s Chicano Latino Advisory Committee (CLAC) celebrated their most recent Latino Graduates and Scholarship Awards winners Wednesday, May 7, 2014 in the Pattengill Auditorium. With about 175 people on hand to celebrate, the CLAC took pride in continuing a tradition that started in 1977 at Eastern High School in honoring our community’s Latino Youth. With Lansing School District Superintendent Yvonne Caamal Canul leading the way among a large group of School District Staff on stage, all the students received a Certificate of Accomplishment from the CLAC and several students were honored for with Scholarships. With Nellie Ruperto singing the National Anthem the night proved to be a memorable one. The Chicano Latino Advisory Committee was formed in 1972 by the Lansing School District to advise the Lansing School Board of Education on issues that deal with the Latino Community. It continues to this day as a resource and as an voice for Latino parents and Latino students alike.